Facebook founder and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has shown his prowess in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by winning gold and silver medals in his first-ever competition. The 38-year-old tech icon competed in the Gi and No-Gi disciplines of the sport, showcasing his grappling skills in the loose-fitting uniform of heavy fabric tied with a belt.
Nogi match of his surfaced online.
Zuckerberg, who has been training in various aspects of mixed martial arts, proudly shared his triumph on Instagram but kept the competition’s name under wraps.
Interest in MMA During the Pandemic
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Zuckerberg developed an interest in mixed martial arts, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In a podcast interview with Joe Rogan in 2022, he revealed that he liked the primal nature of the sport and trained with his friends.
He even shared sparring footage with UFC star Khai ‘The Shadow’ Wu ahead of the latter’s UFC debut, which received high praise from MMA icons like Conor McGregor and Gilbert Burns.
Training as a Source of Energy and Focus
Zuckerberg considers training as an essential part of his life, saying it helps him maintain his energy and focus. He got into surfing and foiling before becoming fascinated with MMA. He also acknowledged the sport’s challenging nature, saying that if one isn’t paying attention, they could quickly end up on the bottom.
Celebrities and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has gained popularity among celebrities in recent years, including Tom Hardy, Russell Brand, Henry Cavill, and Guy Ritchie.
They have posted about their interest in the sport, emphasizing its fitness benefits, self-defense applications, and its mental and emotional benefits.
Mark Zuckerberg’s recent success in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition proves that he’s more than just a tech giant; he’s a skilled athlete as well. His interest in the sport during the pandemic reflects the growing fascination with MMA worldwide.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, in particular, has attracted celebrities from different walks of life, not just for its physical benefits but also for its mental and emotional ones.
